Antigua & Barbuda hotel industry affected by coronavirus

Hoteliers in Antigua and Barbuda are feeling the pinch as the rapid spread of the coronavirus has resulted in equally rapid cancellation of bookings.

Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association Vernon Jeffers, said small and large properties are suffering great losses as cancellations far exceed incoming bookings.

He said “Across the board you are seeing persons having to adjust their schedules, staff are working 20-24 hours instead of their usual 40-hour work week.”

With such drastic changes in the early days of the outbreak, Mr Jeffers said Antigua and Barbuda has to brace for the potentially catastrophic impact to its tourism product and the economy.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James said the entire tourism sector has been adversely affected by the spread of the virus.

He said the Authority has joined forces with the Ministry of Health, all other relevant government departments and tourism partners to ensure that the necessary precautionary measures are in place to detect and prevent the spread of the virus in Antigua and Barbuda.

“While we are still accepting visitors we understand that during these uncertain times, many have been advised and opted not to travel as governments around the world tackle the issue of controlling the spread of COVID-19. If your travel plans are affected we encourage you to contact your travel advisor, hotel or airline representative to reschedule your trip for a later date. We will all be ready for that much-needed get away,” he said.

To date Antigua and Barbuda has one confirmed case of the coronavirus.

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